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Brown Thrasher Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Brown Thrashers are fairly large, slender songbirds with long proportions—the legs are long and sturdy, and the bill is long and slightly downcurved. The tail is long, too, and often cocked upward in the manner of wrens.

    Relative Size

    Slightly smaller than a Blue Jay; slightly larger than a Northern Mockingbird.

    Relative Sizerobin sizedrobin-sized

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 9.1-11.8 in (23-30 cm)
      • Weight: 2.1-3.1 oz (61-89 g)
      • Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in (29-32 cm)

Regional Differences

Brown Thrashers from the western Great Plains are slightly larger and paler than those breeding farther east.